Ancestral by Nathan Field (#2 in The Many)

This is the second book in a planned trilogy and you definitely need to read THE MANY before beginning this one as you will miss the backstory that explains the events that happen in this one.

Dawn Flint and Karl Morgan are on the run and on the hunt for the faceless men. They've figured out that Dawn's pregnancy is the main thing keeping them alive as The Many have eyes and ears everywhere. Dawn and Karl are seeking out anyone with knowledge and information about this secretive group in hopes of finding out their ultimate plans. What is the goal of these monsters and can they be stopped? Anytime the stories of what this cabal has done come out, abject fear and silence are the reactions. Armed with some of the secrets, Dawn and Karl may have a plan. NO SPOILERS.

This was typical of most middle books in any trilogy. There's a lot of time spent with absolutely nothing happening and the author really shovels out completely banal details about Dawn and Karl and their activities. The two don't really have meaningful conversations about what they are doing and thinking as they aren't always honest with each other. Dawn's motives for their quest are not the same as Karl's. I can't really say that I cared at all for the character of Dawn despite all the awful stuff that's happened to her and her behavior and attitude got old and she seemed very immature. Karl didn't score much higher for me, but he was trying to be her protector even though kept in the dark floundering around wondering what the heck was going on with Dawn all the time. Tedious. The best part of the book is the church scene and glad that my slog through paid off as I was hoping for something redemptive after all those pages. So much of the premise is ludicrous and it's hard to continue the suspension of disbelief at times. Truth told, it reminded me a lot of Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk series though this one is not quite on the same level. It's a good enough thriller and provided the requisite entertainment but I mostly just wanted to finish it. A lot of the narrative just meandered with lots of excessive details and interactions that weren't advancing the plot. At this moment I'm not sure that I will read the final book, but who knows. I have a thing about finishing what I start.

Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I read #1 and #2 back to back.

This is the second book in The Many trilogy and not a standalone.

The Many (#1 in trilogy) by Nathan Field

Karl notices the difference in his sister right away. She's been so strange since her date with the rich ophthalmologist she met via an online dating site. The changes in Stacey escalate into violence. In another part of town, Dawn's mother, Isobel, is preparing for an evening out with a woman who contacted her through the same site. Isobel returns home the morning after, but she, too, isn't acting like herself. Though Karl and Dawn don't initially even know each other, they are soon to meet and become entwined in the pursuit of those they hold responsible for what has happened to Karl's sister and Isobel's mother. NO SPOILERS.

The subject matter and the narrative style in this story are both seriously creepy. I definitely felt the tension and suspense as Karl and Dawn try to find answers. There's lots of blood and gore along with the action scenes. A bit of suspension of disbelief may be required, but it was a fun and absorbing read that kept me hooked so I had to read it all in one sitting. I'm seriously lucky because I have the second book in the planned trilogy ready to open up on my Kindle so I can continue immediately. That said, I don't know how I'll stand it waiting for the finale! I'm a bit at a loss to put this book in a genre category as it contains elements of a thriller as well as a bit of sci-fi in a way. I look forward to reading other reviews though I've seen some that didn't seem to have the same takeaway from the book as I have. I enjoyed it, probably because I had no preconceived notions and it was a bit different to what I've been reading lately.

Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I see this was published in 2016 and I apologize for only getting to it now. On to ANCESTRAL... 

Last Light (DI Lucy Harwin #3) by Helen Phifer

DI Lucy Harwin and her colleague DS Mathew (Mattie) Jackson have a serial killer on their hands in Brooklyn Bay. This is the first case that Lucy leads since her promotion and she is pulling out all the stops to prove that she can handle the new job. The first body is found in a derelict church and the scene is as gruesome as any that Lucy has ever seen. The second one shows all the signs of being a victim of the same killer. And then comes a third...Lucy is trying to hold it all together and racing against the clock to discover the identity of the psychopath. She suspects that there is a religion element as an underlying motivator and knows that the killer is likely someone connected to the local  vicarage. When Lucy herself is attacked she realizes that she can't be sidelined even though she's taken off the case. Can she figure out the killer's identity before more people are murdered?

This is a fast-paced crime thriller, the third in a series, and the second one that I have read. Lucy has some personal problems that she refuses to let distract her from her main passion in life -- her job. She lives for her work and it's been the source of the breakdown of her marriage. She's headstrong and determined but she is also vulnerable to self-doubt and loneliness since all she wants to do is focus on the case. The narrative is told from Lucy's point of view with some backstory in the killer's words. There are red herrings, but a reader will likely figure out fairly quickly who is doing the crimes. The supporting characters are thinly drawn and I'm hopeful that they will develop further as the series continues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I am looking forward to book #4 to see if Lucy is able to make some real changes in her life.

This is book #3 of 3 so far in the series. Read in order.

Inhuman Resources by Pierre Lemaitre

"It only takes a couple of seconds for a man to become a maniac."

Alain Delambre, 57-years-old and unemployed for 4 years, is a desperate man. When he receives word that he may finally get an interview for an HR position at a prestigious company, he's totally elated and prepares for the "test" with total focus. He takes extraordinary risks in the days leading up to that big day. He can't stop lying either. The main problem at hand, however, and the issue that his wife objects to, is that this assessment of his qualifications involves a set-up including a staged hostage situation engineered as a pretext of seeing how executives function under stress and pressure. Alain is "in" on the scenario and is willing to do whatever it takes to secure the job. When he discovers that the whole thing is a sham, he goes off the deep end. "The basic ingredients (a sense of humiliation or injustice, extreme loneliness, a weapon and nothing to lose) all resulted in" the cataclysm that occurred at the offsite interview location that day. The events that follow change Alain forever. NO SPOILERS.

This was such a different type of book compared to the others of his that I have read. It's nothing like the serial killer thriller chillers he's written before (ALEX, IRENE, CAMILLE for example). In fact, this is more of a Jonathan Franzen style satirical drama, but I totally enjoyed it despite what I was expecting. The writing is top-notch, translated from French by Sam Gordon, and nothing is lost for that. The action is evenly paced and there is suspense and tension as the reader can't even anticipate what might happen next though it's hard not to feel a great deal of empathy for Alain and his family. Characterization was sublime. The theme of unemployment and how it affects the jobless is definitely at the forefront, but also the notion that work is essential for some to feel alive, to be a whole person. It's not light fare but is very engrossing and I know I'll think about this one for quite some time. I'd love to dissect this in a book club!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacLehose Press Quercus for the e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

The Perfect Family by Shalini Boland

Don't let this nanny into your house!

It seems that everyone is using the word "twist" to describe a psychological thriller and domestic drama these days, but here is one that really fits. I was completely unable to put it down as I raced through the pages. The tension ratcheted up with almost every chapter and, even though I thought I KNEW where this one was going, I was wrong!

Gemma is a busy wife and mother. With her own business, a facilities management firm, requiring much of her attention and long hours, she finds herself in need of some help. Her husband, Robert, and their two little girls (Katie and Eva) can really do with someone to do some child care, cooking, and tutoring. When Sadie Lewis, recommended by Gemma's mother-in-law, arrives for an interview, both Gemma and Robert think she will be perfect. But that's when the real trouble begins...NO SPOILERS.

I really enjoyed this standalone novel and have also read two other books by this very talented author. She has a way of immediately setting the stage, drawing you in, and keeping you totally hooked until the SHOCKER. If you read a lot of this genre, as I do, then you probably can usually figure out what's up early on, but this one will take you a bit longer, I promise. It was fast and fun and I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for Shalini Boland's next book!

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Lost Lake (Det Gemma Monroe #3) by Emily Littlejohn

 A stolen historical diary, a missing girl and a murder victim -- Detective Gemma Monroe of the Cedar Valley Police department has her hands full. Along with her current partner, Detective Finn Nowlin, and Detectives Moriarty and Armstrong and their intern, they begin a painstaking and complex investigation into these 3 cases. It soon becomes obvious that they have no shortage of suspects, plenty of motives, and lots of opportunity. Can they sift through the red herrings to find the clues that will give them the answers and so that justice will be done?

This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was sorry to come in at this late stage to the third one in the series without having read the first two. I've probably missed some important pieces of backstory, but I was able to jump in and enjoyed this well enough on its own. I like Gemma -- she's more real with the first person narration. Although she has a healthy appetite and actually eats (unlike many where everyone is always skipping meals), she spends a lot of time at work and has little personal time or family time. The police investigation is at the forefront of the novel so most of the detail, action, and forward movement of the plot is focused on the tediousness of chasing down witnesses and suspects for information. There's a lot going on even aside from the 3 main cases and it moves at a fast pace that kept me turning the pages as I wanted to see the conclusion. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series so I hope there will be more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This book is #3 in the series.

Missing Lies by Chris Collett's (#7 DI Tom Mariner)

Acting DCI Tom Mariner of the West Midlands Police has his hands full. Missing women, two of his team members away from the job, a new romantic relationship that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, and an autistic charge at home. Whew -- he's definitely busy in this book, #7 in a long-running detective series.

Grace Clifton, 18-years-old, was on her way to meet friends after leaving her job at Symphony hall when she vanished. Mariner receives a package of her clothing in the mail so the police know this indicates probable foul play. Then another woman disappears and her clothing is sent to the station as well. What's interesting is that the clothes have been washed and pressed. Mariner, Jesson and Glover are stumped. The hunt is on to figure out who took these women and why. As the investigation continues, more deaths occur as first one suspect and then another is eliminated. Keeping all the characters and their relationships straight is a bit difficult as the case expands and the tedious process of seeking information and clues helps them narrow their focus. NO SPOILERS.

What a great police procedural! I can't believe I haven't read one of Collett's books before as I love crime thrillers with good detail and complicated cases. Although I have no clue about the development of Tom Mariner as a character from the first book to the present, I felt this worked OK as a standalone. That said, I fully intend to go find the others in the series. I liked the writing style, the perspectives from different points of view, the action and the relentless hunt for the perpetrator. I prefer little to no romance in books, so this lack within served me well. I can't wait to get to know the team members better. Basically a straight-forward detective mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. I understand that it was previously published by Severn House in 2014 as DEAD OF NIGHT.

This is #7 in series. Can be read as a standalone.

Deliver Me by Karen Cole

When Abigail Brooke (Abby or Abs) visits the local doctor and discovers that she is two months pregnant she can't believe it because she claims she has not had sex for over a year. Ever since breaking up with her boyfriend Ben and moving in with her older sister Ellie and brother-in-law Rob she's been concentrating on her job while licking her wounds. When she counts backwards from her EDC, she guesses that something happened on New Years Eve. Abby was at a party and got super drunk and can't remember much about the evening and she sure doesn't remember having sex with anyone. Could she have been drugged and raped? So starts this psychological drama and mystery -- Abby is determined to find out what happened that night and WHO is the father of her unborn baby.
Although there are some twists along the way, most readers will be guessing madly as each "suspect" is accosted and questioned about that evening. NO SPOILERS but I don't think the identity of the baby daddy will be too much of a surprise though the red herrings are dangled throughout.

This was an OK read but I got rather annoyed with Abby and can't say that I was very empathetic or that I identified with her. The other characters are stereotypical and one-dimensional for the most part. The narrative had a lot of internal angsting going on with Abby dithering about and going off half-cocked most of the time. The conclusion was not unexpected and I wasn't really happy with how it ended after all. I've not read other books by this author and I could be persuaded to give her another go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Publishing for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

In the Silence by M.R. Mackenzie

 "The ones that say nothing are as guilty as the ones doing it."

Dr. Anna Scavolini returns to Glasgow, where she grew up, in mid-December to stay with her old best friend, Zoe, and Zoe's brother, Victor. She's been living in Rome for the past 10 years and hasn't been home since. Out celebrating Zoe's birthday, Anna runs into a man she had a mad crush on when they both were in school together. After a few drinks, he disappears, and Anna later discovers him dead in a nearby park. Murdered. And he's just the first victim. Anna gets caught up in her own investigation to find out why these particular persons are being killed and by whom. It happens that this might be a vendetta for something that happened during Anna's school days. NO SPOILERS.

Well, if you can apply a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief while Anna is playing at being Nancy Drew, and if you can get past the fact that the character of Anna is so terribly unlikeable with her pontifications, self-righteousness and holier than thou attitude toward everyone, and maybe if you can ignore how Anna acts and the ludicrous things she does, perhaps you will enjoy this debut novel. For the most part, I couldn't overcome all of those detractors and only read to the end to find out who the killer was. And it all made so little sense even then. I found the Glaswegian dialect inserted to be completely annoying because it was so hit and miss sprinkled around some of the characters and not others. The rest of the characters in the book were not very convincing and could be lumped into the stereotypical category of "bad" guys. I just could not buy into the story, feel any empathy, and got tired of all the soap box proselytism on the subject of consent and rape. And why did all this just happen to come to a head when Anna returns?

I did like the setting, the descriptions of the town and the climate made me feel COLD. Couldn't understand why Anna never seemed to eat or bathe or take her medication. It seemed at complete odds to her supposed level of education. I guess there was something within the pages that made me at least finish it, but I can't say that I found much to recommend this. That being said, I realize this is a first novel, I understand this is a man writing about a real hot spot of an issue of paramount importance to women, and I get that there's probably some sort of takeaway meant to be there. I think I missed it. I just never could buy into how Anna got herself so involved in the mess, her antipathy to the police, and her behavior.

That doesn't mean, however, that I won't read another book by this author. I do thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an e-book ARC of this to read and review. I'm sorry I didn't find it a gripping crime thriller. And lastly, I wish someone would explain that Prologue to me.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Anonymity (DI Gravel #4) by John Nicholl

OK. I can breathe again. What a tense and thrilling serial killer chiller!

Mia, a single mom with a 4-year-old daughter, is at home as usual and working on her next book when she receives the first message. The email indicates that the sender knows where she lives and asks her to declare her love for her "number one fan." Mia, a bit shaken, ignores it but that doesn't deter the sender from escalating with additional messages that threaten her and her daughter. She's constrained from contacting the police but she seeks help from her older sister, Ella. The two of them decide to enlist the help of an old family friend, DI Gareth Gravel, who's home on sick leave after his most recent heart attack. It becomes very clear that the person stalking Mia knows everything about her activities and has the photos to prove it. Things are about to get harrowing especially since Mia has no idea who she can trust. NO SPOILERS

What a suspenseful read that made me tense and kept me glued to the pages as I couldn't get to the end fast enough. Even though the reader knows who the stalker is and wants to shout out at Mia to stop being so stupid, and even though you're screaming at her NO NO NO, you have to wait to see if anyone will figure it out before it's too late. Definitely had my heart racing.

I've read all 3 of the previous books in this series and would urge you to begin at the start for maximum enjoyment. DI Gravel is one of the last of the old school, good old time detectives and knows that this is probably his last case as the boss wants him retired. He wants his old job back.

Thank you to the author for an e-book ARC of his novel for me to read and review. I look forward to John Nicholl's next book!

Book 4 of the DI Gravel series. Read in order.

Before She Falls (DI Anna Gwynn #3) by Dylan Young

 A new internet "game" is inducing minors to commit suicide. Known as the BLACK SQUID, play involves completing 20 tasks that culminate in a suicide act. The game is especially designed to appeal to troubled children in fragile circumstances. One such girl is Kimberley Williams who leaps to her death from a cliff top.

The death of Kimberley and the news about BLACK SQUID are brought to DI Anna Gwynne and her team at Avon and Somerset Constabulary's cold case unit because of her relationship to convicted killer Hector Shaw. Hector's 13-year-old daughter was believed to have committed suicide, but now there's evidence that she was a victim of the BLACK SQUID. Will Anna have to interact again with Hector in order to get more information about those administering the game? Indeed. NO SPOILERS.

This third book in the series brings back Anna, her new boyfriend Dr. Ben Hawley, and DCs Justin Holder and Ryia Khosa. In addition, a new man from Major Cimes, DS Phil Dawes,  is brought over to liaise with the squad as the case becomes much more complex. And complicated it is with a new focus on Ryegrove Hospital, a secure unit for those needing mental health services -- especially the criminally insane who are sectioned and housed within.Two bodies are discovered buried right outside the fence of the hospital. Anna is sure that one of the victims must surely have been involved with the BLACK SQUID, but no one has any idea why or how the other one got there. There must be some connection between the institution and the suicide game...

The investigation moves slowly because of the many characters involved and the scope of the linked cases. I read this quickly because I was quite desperate to get to the end and find some answers. There are still some loose ends that I expect will be tied up in the next book -- of course I can hardly wait. I really like this series and the character of Anna though I feel she is more on the spectrum than simply a bit of INTJ psychometric. (I can say that because that is also my profile.) Yes she's focused, cynical and definitely antisocial but she sure gets the job done and seems to be able to have good relationships with her team and her boyfriend. Oh, and the dog. I like the writing and the excellent descriptions of the area that Anna and her team work around. Good crime drama and police procedural detail as well.

Can't wait for the next book but I do think it's a good idea to have read this series of three (so far) from the beginning as there is a lot of backstory to understand. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

This book is part of a series and is #3.

Tell Me No Lies by Alex Sinclair

Is Grace grieving -- or losing her mind?

Grace watches as her husband, John Dalton, is the victim of a hit and run. They had been out celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary when he's hit and killed in the middle of the street. Grace sinks into despondency and depression with only her friend, Jennifer, sticking by to try to help her through the funeral and the visit to the lawyer about John's estate. They'd barely been making ends meet as Grace was working as a nurse and John in residency at the hospital. So, it's a total shock when she's given the news that John had bought a life insurance policy with money he'd kept in a secret bank account. And then, other strange things begging to happen as Grace tries to figure out what is going on and who John Dalton really was.

Well. I read this in a couple of hours and must say it wasn't very thrilling or suspenseful. The very predictable psychological drama has been told before and was mostly a cliche in terms of the setup, the action and the conclusion. No surprises here. I actually detested Grace and couldn't for the life of me understand where her parents were throughout all this affair. I just wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled -- oops, that's not very nice of me with her being a new widow and all. Lots of repetition and internal stream of consciousness angst while the other stereotypical characters played out their roles. In all honesty, I was very disappointed as I've read other books by this author that I've enjoyed so much more. I'll just chalk this as a one off miss.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for providing the e-book ARC for me to read and review and look forward to Mr. Sinclair's next book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Closer by Kim Slater

Ending a marriage, especially when you have a 10-year-old daughter, is difficult. It's hard to see your former spouse moving on, and moving IN with a new woman who has a daughter the same age. And even more so when your man's new love is YOUR BOSS. Emma is finding the separation difficult, even though she wanted it, but she is becoming increasingly concerned for the safety and welfare of her daughter, Maisie. Soon-to-be ex husband Shaun and Joanne are playing happy family with Piper now. So what does that mean for Maisie? Emma is absorbed in her job and making her own adjustments but eventually she does notice the changes in Maisie. But what can she DO to get Shaun to see what is obvious to her. Joanne and Piper are not good for Maisie. How will this end? NO SPOILERS.

Psychological thrillers tend to focus on a lot of internal angst, and this novel is no different. The characters often seem oblivious and either take action that most people would never attempt or they ignore huge red flags that scream out for immediate intervention. I can't say that I could relate to any of the characters or their behavior within the pages of this story, but I had enough questions about how everything was going to be resolved that I kept reading. There were several characters who I actually despised (can we say Emma's mom talking about her to Shaun behind her back?) and of course the villains because we were suspicious about them from the start anyway given the setup. There were some surprises and a twist but you know it's coming even if you don't know specifically what it is. I like to play a game with myself to see how far off I am as I sort of lay it all out mentally before I start a book. Even in its attempt to be shocking, the conclusion came as no surprise after all said and done. Sure it's set up to be ambiguous and some may feel let down without a concrete finale.

I think this book was meant to focus on mother-daughter relationships and a few other issues that I won't list out here in case some would consider naming them to be spoilers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I've read most of the books by this author and will continue to look for her new titles.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Perfect Silence (Callanach and Turner #4) by Helen Fields

"Human beings don't have any limits when they're broken. It's the damage you can't see on the surface that's the most dangerous."

DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner with MIT are busy with the Babydoll Killer. A monster who makes dolls from skin cut from the bodies of young women who are kept alive while it happens. With few clues, the investigation keeps stalling out even as the death toll mounts. The killer seems to be a religious nutcase with a peculiar mandate and each victim is selected with care. Can they find this psychopath and get justice for the dead girls?

In addition, Callanach and Turner are running a parallel case involving random attacks on homeless drug users. Because they're high on "spice", they aren't reliable witnesses to their own assaults -- but then one victim dies. When information leads the team to a surprising perpetrator, all hell breaks loose within the police. Will Turner keep her job or has she gone too far this time with her arrogant disregard of orders from higher up?

I absolutely love this series. The setting, the characters, the cases -- it all rings with the authority of an author who knows the business. The story is immediately absorbing, quite chilling and the action interspersed with great dialogue and human interaction. Both police procedural and crime drama, this fourth in the series ticks all the boxes. I love the relationships between the members of the team and enjoy glimpses into their personal lives. I've been quite happy, however, that no romance has come into full bloom and hope it stays that way!

Now, unfortunately, I have come to the end of the available installments in this series. While I wait impatiently for #5 (PERFECT CRIME) to be released, I'll just keep all my new friends in Police Scotland in mind. I think it's best to read them all in order and I highly recommend the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Perfect Death (#3 Callanach and Turner) by Helen Fields

"There were different types of pain...the pain of loss...shocked pain...the slow dull ache of reality...followed by the mewling baby, self-pity."

There's someone in Edinburgh who enjoys sharing grief that others experience. An evil serial killer is wanting to get up close and personal with those who've experienced the death of a loved one. This sociopath wants to offer comfort -- so much so that maybe that monster is responsible for the deaths in the first place?

DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner are busy in the MIT. They've got a couple of poisoning deaths on one hand and a possible corruption case on the other. The teams divide to conquer and come quite close to blowing it all up as they face off some very dangerous people. These investigations are going to require tons of time and their best efforts as leads are met with dead ends and danger is lurking on every call-out. Callanach and Turner face some threats to their tenuous and fragile personal relationship as well. But Turner is Callanach's superior and she won't let him forget it. Both struggle with their own demons as they work to bring some justice in these two, big unrelated cases.

I love this series. So much so that I had to buy this one so that I could read it before downloading and reviewing the next installment, PERFECT SILENCE. I've read all 3 so far, in order, and would urge you to do the same so that you get the full picture of the two main characters. Both are quite unique and are becoming more real with each book. I really enjoy the camaraderie between them and enjoy their friendship and mutual respect. I almost feel as if I know them and I can't wait to see what happens next. Though the story is full of action, police procedural detail, and suspense, I feel so tense worrying about how things are going to play up that it creates a lot of tension. Instead of speeding up to get to what I hope is a successful conclusion, I slow down because I'm too worried that some member of the team will be hurt or lost and I don't want to face that. Anyway, if you're looking for great crime thrillers, this series has it all and I recommend it.

Don't Let Go by Michel Bussi

Deliver us from evil...

On holiday, Martial and Liane Bellion and their six-year-old daughter, Sopha, are enjoying the tropical paradise that is Reunion Island. This particular day will not end well. When Martial goes up to their hotel room to check on Liane, she's missing, there's blood everywhere and all of her personal effects are gone. The police are on the scene immediately. They know that the husband is the immediate suspect. Witness testimony places him at the scene and a there's a knife  with his fingerprints all over it. In a seeming panic, Martial flees with his daughter. There's more to this than meets the eye...NO SPOILERS.

This fast-paced novel kept me glued to my map of Reunion Island and had me sucking up every detail of its history and geography. I can't even tell you readers how much I enjoyed this mystery and crime thriller. There are so many unanswered questions, twists and turns, suspects and characters. I loved them all and have to admit to a tear or two when tragic events occur. The writing is top-notch, my only complaint is that my French is rusty and the footnotes weren't always helpful in explaining the terms in translation. The description and detail about the island enthralled me and I could not get enough. Do you know that I never even knew that this place existed? I totally love a book that takes me to a new setting, draws me in, and brings out the researcher in me!

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this, but totally recommend. Thank you to Edelweiss and Europa Editions for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Stranger Game by Peter Gadol

"The world was a world of strangers, and all anyone wanted...was to be seen and to be known, truly known."

Rebecca is alone and lonely. Her long-time boyfriend, Ezra, has disappeared without a word and even the police can't find him for her. After awhile, she finds an essay on Ezra's desk. The author of the piece wrote that he was quite disenchanted with his life, was lonesome and bored, had little human interaction, and no meaningful relationships. He started first watching people and then began actually following them as he yearned to connect. Anything but to go back home alone. The transformation he experienced was further developed into a scheme that was mostly voyeur on his part and fairly benign. As things often do, this essay was read and shared and changed until it became a craze. More like stalking than any kind of "game", it evolved to have three rules but was basically meant to see how long you could follow a person without getting caught. Many people lost themselves in the game and vanished while following random people that crossed their path. Rebecca, assuming that this is what happened to Ezra, begins to play the game herself. Soon Rebecca is caught up in something she doesn't understand with people she cannot believe or trust, and finds that it has evolved into a far more dangerous activity than the essayist ever imagined. NO SPOILERS.

This was a very strange but interesting book. Part existential, part social commentary, and mostly confusing, my overwhelming feeling while reading was probably exactly what the author meant for it to be -- I felt disconnected and longed for intimacy as I read about Rebecca's situation. Her reactions weren't on par with anything I would have done, but I was swept up in her desperate responses to her isolation. I can definitely see this "game" as a consequence of the way that society has changed to be more about things than about relationships. The detachment observed when seeing photos on social media where everyone is looking at a screen instead of at their companions, the distrust of others manifested by labeling and categorizing beliefs and behaviors rather than seeking understanding, and the seeming lack of permanence in the way people lead their lives. All great stuff for a book club discussion! If others want to be connected to people in a real way, how in the world would following strangers around make that happen? In that question is the main issue I had with the book. It is dark and twisty and sad.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Hanover Square Press  for the e-book ARC to read and review.

"Following" has a whole new meaning in this dark and twisty novel. It is a standalone and not part of any series.

Finding Eva by J.A. Baker

 "Some things are best left tucked away in the recesses of your brain; kept as unremembered images which only wreak havoc if toyed with and set free."

This is psychopathy at its worst -- or best -- depending on your predilections for genre fiction. I have never 'met' such a cast of dysfunctional characters in a very long time and my head is reeling after the revelations and the conclusion of this psychological thriller. I don't usually care for books where all the "action" is in the psyche of the characters in a stream of consciousness, but I stuck with it and raced to the end as I was filled with a sense of dread as to what the outcome would be given the beginning chapter.

I knew that there were dead bodies, just didn't know WHO they were as I began reading. Eva Tweedie has gone to Whitby to finally confront the parents who gave her into care when she was a child. She has questions, wants answers, and won't back down this time. She's fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend, Gareth, and it seems that she has told him something that makes reconciliation impossible. In addition, her best friend from the old days in care, Celia, is worried about Eva, has cautioned her about raking up the past, and is set on stopping her from further heartbreak.

The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of Eva, Celia and Gareth. The reader has no clue if any of them is reliable as each tells his or her version of the story. All seem a bit overwrought with emotion and there is a LOT of anger underlying their actions. The pace is slow by sure as all of them come to Twinby for answers -- seeking out Eva's mother as the source and wanting her to pay for the sorry mess that is their lives. Unfortunately, one of them is a total psycho...NO SPOILERS

Despite my misgivings at the internal angsting all were experiencing and the repetition of the emotional turmoil, I ended up enjoying this because the conclusion, though somewhat expected, was quite satisfying. I'm glad I finished it despite wanting to chuck it initially. If you want to read a novel about 3 really messed up young people, then this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

So, you say you want to go on a wellness retreat? Nine people sign up for our the 10-day program that promises that they "will leave Tranquillum House feeling happier, healthier, lighter, freer."

The "guests" arrive at the beautiful compound, are escorted to rooms in the restored Victorian mansion and prepare to meet the director and team who will guide them in the personalized processes designed so that when they leave on the last day, they won't be the same person who entered. They certainly get a transformative experience during their stay NO SPOILERS.

The characters are totally engaging, each one so well-drawn that they feel like old friends by the end of the book. Quirky, prickly, obsessed, neurotic, depressed -- the nine have all had some very specific life events that have led them to Tranquillum House in need of, desperately seeking SOMETHING that will allow them to move beyond their pasts and resume living with a different attitude. A writer, a teacher, a midwife, a young woman focused on her social media, an ex football star, a lawyer, a divorced mother of 4, a man in love with his Lamborghini, a girl about to celebrate her 21st birthday -- all are about to meet the driving force behind this extraordinary resort -- Masha Dmitrichenko. She and her team (Yao and Delilah) have planned the 10 days down to the last detail. None of those attending this session will ever be the same again. But not in the way they had imagined.

I can't say which of the characters was my favorite as each had quite a unique presentation and I enjoyed the changing point of view through the narrative. Although it starts off a little slow as the reader is introduced to the characters, the pace picks up and becomes so engrossing that I found it impossible to put down and so had to finish it basically in one sitting. I loved it and I think you will too. It would make a great choice for a book club as there are so many themes to discuss and I know I'll be thinking about the story for a long time.

Where the Truth Lies (DI Tom Ridpath #1) by M.J. Lee

"We seek evidence, it's all that counts. The truth always lies. Only evidence is clear."

DI Tom Ridpath has been temporarily seconded to the coroner from Manchester Police. He's just returned to work after a 9 month absence for treatment of his myeloma. He's now in remission and has been cleared, but he has to smooth over relationships between the coroner's office and the constabulary before he can resume his previous position. His first assignment is to deal with the family of the murdered Alice Seagram. It seems they don't believe that the man who was found guilty and imprisoned for the crime, James Dalbey, was really the killer. It's been 10 years and an exhumation of the body is ordered. The problems begin when the coffin is unearthed and is found empty. And then, the body of a woman is found and the wounds are reminiscent of circumstances surrounding that of Alice Seagram. Ridpath, working with Coroner Margaret Challinor, and trying to liaise with the police, finds himself somewhat at odds in his new job and the nature of the investigation forces him to examine the very same case that put him on the fast-track to inspector years ago. NO SPOILERS.

This was a high-octane crime thriller that kept me guessing and completely engrossed until the very satisfying conclusion. I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character has this particular job title and I found it all very interesting. It's a great mix of police procedural and forensic investigation. I really liked the character of Tom Ridpath and it seems that, considering the last chapter, he may be continuing in that role for the next book -- I hope so, and I can't wait.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.

#1 in series DI Tom Ridpath

The Warning by Kathryn Croft

Absorbing and fast-paced psychological thriller with a conclusion you won't see coming. What really happened that night at the river?

Three years ago, Jake and Zoe Monaghan get the worst news that parents can ever hear -- their 14-year-old son, Ethan, and his best friend Josh drowned in the river near their home. Even though their deaths were ruled as accidental, the lives of the Monaghan's and that of their surviving older son, Harley, have not gone so well though they've been working at trying to be a family again. Their fragile peace is shattered when Zoe receives an email and subsequent text messages that hint that they did not know the truth about what happened to their son and his friend. Who is tormenting them -- Zoe can't be stopped from trying to find out and she may lose everything else in the process of finding out the real story.

With great characters and narrated from the point of view of several of them, this thriller takes off at a speedy clip and left me racing through to get to the answers I wanted as much as did Zoe! The author juggles a large cast of characters and a complex plot but it all comes together in a satisfying conclusion. Sort of left my head reeling with all the details and information about relationships, secrets, lies, obsession and revenge. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'll definitely want to read more books by this author.

Standalone and not part of any series.

Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

"Our present is informed by our past, the fears, the insecurities -- the loss"

I dare you to put this psychological drama down once you've started! The narrative, driven by the voice of Marianne Wilson, creates incredible tension and a sense of foreboding as the story evolves. Marianne --  wife to Dr. Simon Wilson, "the dashing and brilliant cardiac surgeon", stepmother to 17-year-old Sophie, and mother of 6-year-old boy twins -- has been married for 10 years. The family lives at the prestigious Number 5 Garden Close and seems to have a perfect life. Things are not so golden behind closed doors, however, and Marianne struggles daily to hold everything together. She has a history of mental health problems and a police record because she's not alway been able to have all under control. Simon has some high expectations and Marianne knows she's not doing her part to be the perfect wife and mother. But her medication makes her a bit foggy and...NO SPOILERS. Just read it and see if you can figure out where it's all going.

I really enjoyed this as I dissected the characters and made some guesses. I usually don't care for books that have a character spending a lot of time in his or her own mind, but this time I really got into it. Of course I was expecting a twist, you read enough of this type of thriller and you KNOW one is coming, but I liked how the revelations came out and found the book to have a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

Riveting standalone psychological drama. Not part of a series.

Dead End (DI Kelly Porter #3) by Rachel Lynch

Family secrets, murder, and mysterious disappearances keep DI Kelly Porter busy in the Lake District. In the meanwhile, she's trying to navigate her new relationship with Johnny Frietz of the mountain rescue team.

I love this series and the character of Kelly Porter. She's sensible and pragmatic, but also has a good heart and strong loyalty to her family and team. I've read both previous books in this series and always look forward to a new installment as I get to know her better. The police procedural and crime thriller elements combine to make a compelling read that I have a hard time putting down. I like the description and detail of the location along with the pace of the narrative. Occasionally told in alternating viewpoints, the main plot here hums along with enough clues to keep you guessing at the identify of the criminal despite the red herrings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishers for the e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to #4 in the series and hope I don't have to wait too long!

Series -- read in order for best enjoyment.

Never Say Goodbye (DI Tom Fabian #1) by Richard Parker

The names of the victims match city streets -- WHY?

DI Tom Fabian faces off with a killer on a mission in this first of a series, originally titled MURDER MAP. This is police procedural with a bit of personal drama thrown in, and focuses mainly on the investigation surrounding the murders of completely unrelated people though the same signature is present. Since the victims have nothing in common, it's been hard to get a feel for the case. The team is frustrated at their lack of progress and they can't seem to predict what or who might be the next intended. Why is this killer selecting these particular victims? The clues are slim and it's only with dedication to detail that the pieces finally start to come together. NO SPOILERS.

Tom Fabian is an older guy and is handed this case after the original DI died so the stakes are high and he wants and needs to solve it. He's not risk averse, but he's also sensible. He still seems to care for his ex-wife who has her own issues and he has a daughter who has now gone off to school so he worries about her well-being. It seems that there is a lot of room for character development if this series continues and I hope it does as it sort of ended with a walloping cliffhanger! At times it seemed to move rather slowly and the secondary characters definitely need some fleshing out in order to get that "team" feel. The main other character is DS Natasha Banner who seemed rather enigmatic. I'm looking forward to see where this goes next.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review. 

First in a new series. 

Something Wicked (Andrew Hunter #1) by Kerry Wilkinson

"If you decided you believed in something and chose to live according to that, then it became your own truth."

What a deliciously sinister novel featuring a new character, Andrew Hunter, who is a private investigator. He, along with his assistant, Jenny (a likely sociopath to some degree or "empathy deficit" as was said in the book), are tasked by Richard Elaine and Carr to find their son who had disappeared on his 18th birthday over 9 months prior. The police found 3 of Nicholas's fingers in a wooded area but even though they dug up a bit of the forest, the body was never found. Andrew accepts the case with no idea that the strange world he's about to enter will put him and Jenny in serious danger. NO SPOILERS.

The plot had an unexpected theme, and the narrative moved along with Wilkinson's trademark snark and his talent for description. The characters evolved along with the story as the reader learns more about Andrew's background and I can see great potential for further development as this series continues. I enjoyed the introduction to both Andrew and Jenny and am quite eager to see where this leads next. They are similarly unconventional as a detecting duo and I enjoyed their interaction. I admit to being surprised by the twist and the conclusion. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Can't wait for #2 in the series!

First in a new series.

The Affair by Sheryl Browne

"...love could drive a person to acts of despair or even madness...cold-blooded murder might have its basis in love, or unrequited love."

More a family drama than a thriller, this book touches the on familiar theme of deceit. Alicia is married to Justin and they have two children, a teenage daughter, Sophie, and a newborn son, Lucas. When tragedy strikes the family, all of the lies and secrets come spilling out from unexpected sources and in very damaging fallout. NO SPOILERS but when all is said and done, the truth will be revealed and the consequences may hard to face. Can this family be saved?

A very quick read with a few surprises but if you read books in this genre, you won't be far off the mark if you predict what is likely to happen early on in the book. The narrative shifts between the points of view of Alicia, Justin and Sophie and the story is easy to follow. There is a lot of internal angsting going on in the narration and plenty of blame to go around between the main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Lies We Told by Camilla Way

Oh my, what a wild ride. I read this compelling psychological drama over a couple of hours because I simply could not put it down -- I HAD to know how this sordid tale turned out. I was so tense while reading as the author stoked my unease with subtle hints about where it was all going but I didn't quite have it all figured out correctly though a couple of my guesses proved spot on. I'm glad that I took the advice of the other reviewers who warned not to read anything about the book beyond the synopsis before diving right in. NO SPOILERS so I won't even give the main themes away.

This is definitely a tale of secrets, lies, betrayal and horrible mistakes. I'm not sure that I really liked any of the characters but perhaps felt that Clara was at least somewhat decent as a person. She was so dedicated in trying to find her missing boyfriend even when she discovers some disturbing information.

The story is told via two points of view with one narrator the voice of Beth starting from 1986 and the other voice is that of Clara in present day. Even though it seems that these are separate stories, you can be sure that it's all going to come together and in a very explosive manner. The whole of it left me glad that I don't know those people! I guess there are some things that are really unforgivable. And choices you can't put right.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing (an imprint of Penguin Random House) for this e-book ARC to read and review. I definitely enjoyed the couple of hours spent with this novel. I've also read the author's previous book, WATCHING EDIE, and can't way to see what Camilla Way does next!

This is a standalone and is not part of any series. Recommended.

Eye for an Eye (DI Jessica Daniel #12) by Kerry Wilkinson

Oh, Kerry Wilkinson, how cruel you are to end your books with a cliffhanger and then force us to wait endlessly (it seems) for the next in the excellent Jessica Daniel series!

DI Jessica Daniel is as busy as ever! Based at the Longsight Police Station in the Manchester area, she has a caseload that keeps her working day and night. In this outing, Jessica teams up with DCI Lewis Topper as they monitor and work a bit behind the scenes while the rest of the team gets the groundwork on.

After the serial killer known as "Jaws" is released from a secure hospital after 17 years and is relocated in protective custody, the former Damian Walker who attacked 5 young women (only 4 died), is meant to be known as Eric Seasmith. Fitted with an ankle bracelet and monitored by 2 witness protection officers, Millie Evans and Clayton Gordon, Eric is set up in a house for his own safety as the public outcry escalates when it becomes known that he's been released. Supposedly well away and in the company of the two WPOs, the city goes nuts when 2 women are found killed in the same way as done by "Jaws".  NO SPOILERS.

The second case Jessica becomes involved with has to do with a visiting rocker, Blaine Banner, who claims he is receiving death threats. In addition, a young woman named Ellie Scanlon, is picketing the station and clamoring for the police to find her missing fiancé. Whew! Jessica has a lot on her plate and it's just as well because she has to face some serious decisions in her personal life especially since she's back to living alone since Bex has gone.

As always, the author juggles all of the parallel plots and keeps the action moving forward. The great interplay between the team members, the snarky dialogue, and the personality of the characters is always entertaining. Jessica has calmed down with age and maturity no longer such a liability with her reactions and impulses. I love seeing how the team is changing and evolving. The police/crime elements are there as well, and I'll continue to eager await the next installment in this gripping series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review. Hey, when can I expect to see #13??????

I had to find and read #11 before I could start this one. Best to read this series from the beginning, in order!

Nothing But Trouble (DI Jessica Daniel #11) by Kerry Wilkinson

DI Jessica Daniel of the Longsight Police Station for the Greater Manchester Police is BUSY. There are multiple investigations going on simultaneously leaving Jessica without sleep and ratcheting up her trademark snark. Top brass has her running all over interviewing crime bosses about a couple of murders while she's also trying to figure out who is sneaking into an old man's home as well as finding a con woman who poses as a cleaner to clean out valuables of pensioners. Jessica is also having some personal issues with occasional lover and fellow police, Archie Davey, and there's trouble brewing with her live-in sort of ward, 18-year-old Bex. WHEW! NO SPOILERS but this book starts off with a shocker and you'll have a hard time forgetting about that beginning as you race through the novel trying to figure out what's happened.

I almost made a big mistake and was about to start book #12 in the series, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, as I have it from NetGalley to review -- then, I realized I had not yet read #11 so had to scramble to find it and read it first. I apparently missed out on the ARC!!  This is definitely one of those series that you have to read from the beginning, in order, as each book builds upon known facts, people, issues, and relationships from the past.

I love this character and the rest of the team at the station. Their interplay and their strengths and weaknesses make each member of them memorable and pertinent to the action and the crime solving. Their interactions can make me tear up as well as laugh out loud. I'm still hopeful that Jessica will get some HAPPY resolution with the most critical personal issue that she's been dealing with over the last couple of books. I keep wondering how long this series can go on, but the author has a great way of telling a good story and he's still keeping it fresh. Now, I'm off to start #12 to see what trouble -- I mean, case -- Jessica will get involved with next.

If you like crime and detective thrillers with a strong female protagonist, you'll not want to miss Jessica Daniel.

The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

Atmospheric and haunting, this is not a typical suspense novel nor a crime thriller. It's a mystery of sorts, but also a study of witchcraft and the dark arts. I could not put it down after I read the note to the reader."The Craftsman is the story of women, and witches. Of the children we love and must protect. And of the men who fear us."

WPC Florence Lovelady is 22 years old and the only woman on the police when the town of Sabden tries to solve the case of 3 missing teenagers in 1969. Being new and being a woman, she faces discrimination and frustration as she attempts to get involved with the investigation. When it's discovered that one of the victims was buried alive in a casket in a local cemetery, the clues lead to a local undertaker, Larry Glassbrook. He's remanded to prison and the book opens with his funeral and burial in his native Lancashire home 30 years later. Florence has returned to town for the occasion and has brought along her teenaged son, Ben. Events transpire that make Florence question if they actually arrested the right man...NO SPOILERS

The book is divided into two distinct time periods -- 1969 during the investigation of the case and then 1999 when Florence returns. There is so much interesting material within that it's hard to sum up in a synopsis. Whether or not you believe in witchcraft, you will be privy to information that indicates that it is not a lost art and that witches still practice and exist today despite historical evidence that society has tried to get rid of them by foul means for centuries. I was riveted.

The plot is complicated but very tightly woven and will likely leave you with more questions than answers. I understand that this is the first book of a planned trilogy (I hope that's accurate) and I promise I'm going to be first in line clamoring for #2 as I can't wait to learn more about the complex character that is Florence as I feel we've only been given a small glimpse into her psyche.

Different, yes! And I'm always enamored with a unique perspective on the familiar crime and punishment genre. I think this novel will give readers a lot to think about and much to discuss with others who read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Malice by Jennifer Jaynes

"This industry (big Pharma) was a machine...and a very powerful one at that."

Dr. Daniel Winters is a pediatrician and newlywed. Married to Mia and living on a beachfront property in Malibu, he's finally achieving all his dreams in the new practice at Healing Hands in Los Angeles, California. Trouble starts soon after the honeymoon when Daniel returns to work and is told about a new immunoceutical -- Respira -- that the doctors are expected to push on their young patients to prevent the common cold. It seems that there are undocumented adverse effects from this new vaccine and the powers that be do NOT want their patients to know. Things go from bad to worse for Daniel quite quickly and, not only does he suspect his new wife is lying to him, there's major trouble at work when one of his patients experiences a severe reaction to the drug. His new boss threatens him, other doctors who've gone public about Respira are killed, and Mia is sending private texts and sneaking off when she's supposed to be at work. NO SPOILERS but Daniel's life is about to spiral completely out of control.

This was a great thriller, very fast-paced and a bit unpredictable with the twists and turns. I read it over a matter of hours as I simply couldn't put it down. I love reading about anything "medical" and the whole topic of vaccinations was quite interesting from that standpoint. I've always been pro-immunization and can't always relate to or understand the hordes of anti-vaxers when I read stuff on social media, etc. because I do believe they are safe, effective and necessary. The new, FICTIONAL, vaccine in this book doesn't exist but I can understand the fears of parents who are told and nearly forced to get a new, untested vaccine for their child. All I can say is what I always say, do your research, consult with professionals and make an informed decision. I won't judge you for trying to do the best possible thing for your child as long as you are fully aware of all the consequences for whatever action you take.

Anyway, great read and I've never read anything else written by this author but I intend to rectify that in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review. I had a lovely couple of hours completely absorbed in the characters and the story. Absolutely riveting and timely medical thriller.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Dream Daughter by Diana Chamberlain

A Trip Through Time...

Well now. This book and its topics are so far out of my usual reading zone that I'm a bit taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. Perhaps I was secretly in need of a "feel good" story instead of crime and thrills! I don't want to say too much because I think readers would enjoy the drama more if they open and dive right in without any preconceived notions.

Most of what I can say about the plot without spoilers is this -- a young woman receives the news that her husband, Joe, has been killed in Pleiku during the Vietnam War. The year is 1970. Caroline (Carly) Sears lives with her sister, brother-in-law and nephew in Nag's Head on The Outer Banks and soon discovers that she is pregnant. Unfortunately, the fetus has a heart defect that will result in death once the baby is born. The grief is unbearable for Carly, until her brother-in-law, Hunter, tells her a fantastical tale that may provide a way for this baby to survive. Does Carly have the courage to make a leap of faith in order to save her unborn child? You'll just have to read it to find out.

Note -- this will require a lot of suspension of disbelief and reads more like a fairy tale than contemporary fiction. Despite that, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with all the details of time and setting. The writing made the characters come to life on the page and sure wrung out every emotion from tears (yes, I felt some prickling) to laughter. I would categorize it all as "uplifting".
I hope you enjoy this break as much as I did!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read and review. I've read most all of the books by this author, and will definitely be looking out for her next one.

This is a standalone and is not part of a series.

Silent Victim by Caaroline Mitchell

"You can't walk away from your demons...They'll catch up with you in the end."

Emma is married to Alex and they have a son, Jamie. They live in her childhood home on Mersea Island -- remote, foggy, and cut off from the mainland by tides at certain times of the day. Everything is going well for the little family until Alex gets a promotion and wants to move them away to Leeds. Emma knows that there's something she must do -- she must dig up the body of the man she killed and buried there on the property many years ago. Unfortunately, her lies and her secrets may have finally been exposed. NO SPOILERS

As Emma's life spirals out of control, the narrative takes the reader on a ride that will leave your head swiveling! Told in alternating points of view and going back and forth in time, we hear the man, Luke, her previous high school teacher, tell his version -- and wonder if he's a psychopath. We read about Emma's mental health issues and question her reliability as a storyteller. Alex is trying hard to sustain his feelings for Emma and sort through what he's told but is having trouble figuring out the truth. And then there's Emma's sister who is keeping some secrets of her own. You may be able to figure out where this is all going, but won't be able to put the book down until you've reached the end of this dramatic thriller.

I enjoyed the wild ride and hope you do as well.

Amazon.com purchase
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

The Proposal by SE Lynes

"...momentous events, be they good or bad, catapult us from our core, leave us floating, weightless, lost."

Pippa Gates has no idea what is going to happen to her after she opens the door to a wandering salesperson hawking cleaning supplies and invites him into her house. Pippa is a teacher and struggling wanna-be author with a less than stellar published book to her name and a synopsis of her next one due to the editor -- tomorrow! Instead of actually working to meet the contract, she is procrastinating and drinking heavily. Seeking some kind of inspiration, she makes an unusual proposal to the shabby, down-on-his luck man -- tell her the story of his life for 200 pounds. He agrees and sits down at her kitchen table and she hits gold. How could she know that this evening will lead to an insane obsession that will leave her...NO SPOILERS.

This psychological thriller is, without a doubt, the most bizarre, messed-up story I have ever read, and believe me, I've read some humdingers. But I mean that in a good way! The characters of Pippa and the man at the door, Ryan Marks, are two deeply disturbed individuals that defy explanation. The narrative is told in an unusual format -- part being the private journal written by Pippa and the other main segments are blog posts by the author Pippa that are on social media. In addition are a few italicized ramblings recorded by Ryan. Trust me, it all makes sense when you read it.

I'm not sure when a book has hooked me so completely while all the time I'm wondering what the heck it is that I'm reading! Pippa shares a very twisty tale that could only be told by someone who is or must be totally warped. The things she thinks and says and does surely defy the concept of normal! I think you'll enjoy the crazy ride as much as I did. Don't miss it if only to be able to talk about it with a fellow reader after you finish reading it!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review. This is not the first book that I've read by this author and after this, I just have to see what she comes up with next!

This is a standalone, not part of a series.

Death on the River (Tara Thorpe #2) by Clare Chase

Misadventure or murder?

In this second mystery featuring DC Tara Thorpe, she and Blake deal with "a group of self-serving and in some cases amoral individuals." The "Alcolytes" have lost their leader and mentor; Ralph Cairncross's body was found inside his classic Alfa Romeo submerged in the Forty Foot Drain. He was a controversial author who spent his time pushing his theories about the importantance of youth and the glory of dying young. At first written off as an accident -- Ralph was drunk driving -- Tara soon becomes convinced that there is more to it when the victim's sister insists that it was foul play. Since Tara is new to the team and because her boss, DS Wilkins is basically a jerk who doesn't really want the former journalist working under him, she starts looking into the situation on her own time at first. When another member of the Alcolytes dies under the guise of  "misadventure", Tara convinces DI Blake that this is more than coincidence. NO SPOILERS.

I really enjoyed this book as Tara uses her talents as a former investigative journalist in her new role as DC. Working under a difficult boss who doesn't want her to succeed and bashes her theories, she turns to Blake for support. The case becomes more complex as the author gives so many red herrings within the group of Alcolytes. Could one of them be committing murder, and why? Talk about a bunch of devious characters who admired Ralph Cairncross! His wife and daughter were not treated so well as he spent so much time with his little group of hero-worshippers. Could they be responsible for any of this? The team has its work cut out for them chasing down the Alcolytes and even as they firm up their theories, yet another of the members dies. Meanwhile, Wilkins stands firmly in his opinions frustrating Tara at every turn especially after an article appears in NOT NOW -- the old magazine that Tara used to write for before she quit and decided to become police.

There is so much going on within this very interesting and well-written book that kept me guessing about the entire case. I love the atmosphere created by the location, especially the snowy fens, as it gives the novel a bit of a gothic feel. The coldness of the winter, the isolation, the knowledge that someone sinister is lurking and watching combine to keep the reader enthralled. The devious characters and the ways in which they manage to avoid being totally truthful cause Tara and Blake some frustration and very late hours. The story builds to a great climax and gives a satisfying conclusion.

I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait for #3. It's a bit different to the gritty thrillers I typically read and a refreshing change up. Please continue to keep Blake an honorable man and avoid the romance trap! If you're thinking about picking this one up, be sure to read the first in the series before doing so as it provides so much about how Tara got to this point and who she is.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Murder on the Marshes by Clare Chase (Tara Thorpe #1)

Revenge or evening up the balance? A twisty tale with many red herrings...

"Death comes equally to us all, and makes us all equal when it comes." John Donne

Tara Thorpe is a journalist working for NOT NOW magazine when she is asked to investigate and write a feature about the murder of a charismatic and popular professor, Samantha Seabrook, a fellow of St. Francis's College at Cambridge. Professor Seabrook, young and athletic, somewhat impetuous and adventurous, had apparently been killed in a walled garden fountain. Several interesting clues come to light immediately and Tara's first problem is that she can't seem to get honest answers when she interviews Seabrook's colleagues at the institute. Her second problem is that the police, namely DI Blake and his team, don't feel that information should go both ways. They want access to her notes and recordings, but they aren't sharing everything with her. In addition, Tara, who has a history of being stalked, receives a message along with a handmade doll -- "It was a warning. This is a warning." And does this mean that her stalker has returned to terrorize her OR is the note an indication that the story Tara is working on has personal implications? NO SPOILERS.

This was a great first novel in a new series. I loved meeting the characters and enjoyed their interaction as their relationships deepen and develop. It was a bit of a class clash as those from Cambridge stall and hinder the police trying to solve the case. The bond between Tara and Blake is just developing and is not romantic...yet. Tara makes some big decisions by the end of this book and I'm thrilled that I can immediately pick up the second in this mystery series. Great storytelling with the added bonus of the setting at Cambridge add to the compelling nature of the tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'm off to start DEATH ON THE RIVER...

Fatal Promise (DI Kim Stone #9) by Angela Marsons

Who lives, who dies? There's really no choice...Grief is a monster.

"You were not only building a team, you were building a family."

DI Kim Stone is back at West Midlands after a break and those left of her previous team are returning to work as well as coming to grips with what happened in the previous book #8 so if you have not read the series from the beginning, please do not go further in this book. I don't really feel that this can be read as a standalone. The rest of this review may give away details from previous installments.

The theme of this book is grief. People handle their emotional pain and loss in different ways, and Kim, Stacey and Bryant are no exception. In addition, they are faced with having to deal with a new officer in Dawson's place -- Penn "NotKev" who is there as replacement. Met with anger and resentment, Penn is not welcome. But they still have to work together and get the job done.

The murder case builds slowly. A doctor is found dead and shortly thereafter his son is in a fatal automobile accident. Then an elderly woman. The victims keep coming. How are they all connected and why are they being killed? As the evidence seems to magically appear leading them in the direction of a viable suspect, Bryant helps Kim Stone see that things are falling into place a bit too conveniently. Meanwhile, Stacey is looking into the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl.

Although the investigation is certainly a big part of this book, the main focus is on the psychological aspects that the characters are dealing with and we learn more about the type of person that Kim is and how she has learned to deal with her personal issues from her past. We see how strong the bond is between the team members and how they support and care for each other. Once the killer is identified and the confession explains the "why" of it all, the point is again driven home that the things that happen to you or to those you love affect you deeply and differently. 

I love this series and with every book I feel as if I'm going to a family reunion when I start reading. I miss the characters while waiting for the next one in the series and can't wait to "see" them again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. 

The Crying Season (Alton and Kane #4) by DK Hood

 Black Rock Falls, Montana -- "Beautiful one day, crazy as hell the next."

A merciless predator is stalking the trails and woods of Black Rock Falls during peak hunting and hiking season. The killer seems to focus on couples who are going off to secluded areas and trails to spend some quality time alone. But they don't come back and bodies have been found -- murdered in very gruesome fashion. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her partner, Deputy David Kane begin the painstaking process of investigation with hopes of finding this madman before there are more deaths. When they suspect that there have been cameras placed along certain trails, it comes to their attention that the killer may be linked to the Dark Web and pay per view. NO SPOILERS.

This is simply a very entertaining series with characters that have grown on me since book #1. Both Jenna and Dave have a previous life history of being covert operators and are now in Black Rock Falls staying hidden from those who knew them before. The pair has a great relationship that I wish would finally be taken in a more romantic direction, but I do appreciate that there isn't any "romance" in the books. They work well together and have set up a great support team to help with solving the crimes. The descriptions of the area are very compelling and set the tone for the dark investigations that seem to be cropping up in their little remote town.

I do love the series and can't wait for #5. Be sure to start with book #1 and read in order. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Truth and Lies (DI Amy Winter #1) by Caroline Mitchell

DI Amy Winter, the adopted daughter of a police officer, is also the biological child of parents known as a murdering du0 -- the Beasts of Brentwood. The couple abducted and killed young girls back in the 1980s. Amy's real mom, Lillian Grimes, is in prison and her bio dad is dead. DI Winter's past is shrouded in vague memories that are brought to the forefront when Lillian contacts her from jail and promises to reveal the location of 3 bodies if Winter will help get her appeal going, "because she was framed."

This detective crime drama forces Amy Winter to accept that the circumstances of her birth do not add up to the person she is now. Although her adoptive father is dead, Amy is a dedicated police officer who agrees to see Lillian so as to give the closure necessary to the families of the dead girls by finding the bodies and taking them home. Lillian is living up to her part, taking Amy to the bodies, when another young girl is kidnapped. NO SPOILERS.

The narrative shifts in time and point of view as the various aspects of the case come together. The characters are fairly typical of this genre and not fully developed in this first of what I expect is a new series. This was more mystery than pulse-pounding suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Marked for Revenge (Jana Berzelius #2) By Emelie Schepp

"You shouldn't hold on to the past...everything changes."

This is the second in a trilogy featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius. Set in Norrkoping, Sweden, this fast-paced police procedural focuses on the rampant drug trade and child trafficking. When a young Thai girl dies on a train and is found stuffed with capsules of heroin, the team of detectives that Jana works with tries to find out what happened to the friend who was traveling with the dead girl. In addition, Jana finds that this case has ties to her horrific past, and a man known as Danilo -- he knows all about her and she can't have him reveal her secrets. But there is worse to come when Jana's investigation reveals that someone close to her has ties to the network of crime. NO SPOILERS.

I love this series and have now read all three -- though, unfortunately, out of order as I read #3 first before I realized it. The books are very well-written and grab hold quickly with complex plots and interesting characters that have developed more with each book. The police team members are unique individuals and there is an occasional foray into their personal lives but most of the narrative is focused on the development of the case and the facets of investigation. Jana Berzelius herself is quite a complex woman with amazing fighting skills learned when she was a child. She's rather cold as a person and definitely keeps her private life, thoughts and feelings to herself so she has difficulty in creating or sustaining any relationships. Her tough exterior completely masks her inner turmoil but she is intent on succeeding at any cost. Destroy or be destroyed.

I'd like to thank Amazon Vine for a paperback ARC of this book to read and review. When I finished book #3, I thought there might be another book to follow because it seemed to leave many dangling questions and the story seemed unfinished. I'll definitely want to read more about Jana Berzelius in the future.

Marked for Life (Jana Berzelius #2) By Emelie Schepp

Edgy police procedural set in Sweden and featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius.

Although this is the first in the trilogy, it was the second one I read after falling hard for Jana Berzelius in book #3 (SLOWLY WE DIE). I just had to go back to the beginning because she is such an enigma as a character and I wanted to find out more about her back story. This book is where it all begins and the reader is introduced to the main characters as well as to the author's style of writing and the complexity that makes a great plot.

An official with the migration bureau is killed in his home and the only clue seems to be a handprint -- but forensic testing suggests that the print was made by a young child. How can that be as Hans Juhlen and his wife have no children. The case is becomes even more complicated when a young boy is found shot dead at the shoreline and can't be identified. Jana Berzelius begins to realize that this case may have a personal connection to her own past as she has a terrible history and the scars to prove it. Upon further investigation, the team finds evidence of child abuse and human trafficking.

I love this series. The excellent writing and the very unique characters combine with a compelling story line that just drag you in and will have you reading until you turn to the last page -- and want MORE. NO SPOILERS.

I love Scandinavian crime drama. The setting is always quite interesting to me especially when the author provides such significant detail about it. I can feel the cold temperature and imagine the city of Norrkoping though I've never been. I'm about to start book #2, MARKED FOR REVENGE, and then will just have to wait to see if Schepp continues with this very entertaining series and tells us more about Jana Berzelius.

Perfect Prey (DI Luc Callanach #2) by Helen Fields

"Four victims currently in limbo at the city mortuary. Death by strangulation, facial skinning, stabbing and crushing."  And there's more to come...

If you haven't yet picked up this series and moved it to the top of your TBR pile, I think you're missing some of the best crime fiction available. This series is awesome for many reasons: the plots, the action, the drama, and the characters. All of it, and more, bundled up to give you an evening or two of suspense and enough chills to keep you awake after you've finished the final page.

DI Luc Callanach, operating out of Police Scotland in Edinburgh, has been there less than a year. He'd left France under a bit of a cloud, and is still adjusting to his new position and his team. In this second book of the series, he's facing a set of gruesome murders with no leads or clues. His friend and colleague, DI Ava Turner, is working with him and the others but is somewhat distant lately due to personal matters. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard has sent detectives to Edinburgh in the hunt for a master cybercriminal. The man at the head of that force just happens to be an old acquaintance of Ava's and he, DCI Joe Edgar, does not like Luc at all! Can they all work together to bring their cases to a conclusion? NO SPOILERS.

Again, this is a very well-written police procedural and crime thriller with a very complicated plot and enough red herrings to keep even those most savvy reader enthralled and guessing. I love the characters and their interactions as they race against the clock and attempt to unravel the connections and apprehend those behind the murders. I am desperate for book #3 (PERFECT DEATH) which is not due out in the US until later this year! I've been looking for an ARC but have had no luck and patience is not one of my virtues!

The grisly nature of the crimes and the descriptions/detail may be off putting to some readers, so beware. Part of the story also involves the dark web so there's a fair amount of technical jargon as well. I enjoyed (?) every aspect of this book and highly recommend it. I suppose it could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on some great backstory about the characters.

If you're into this genre, be sure to put this book and the whole series on your list. Although I have the ARC of the 4th one in the series queued up to read, thanks to NetGalley UK, I don't know if I can read it without reading #3 first! Oh, the dilemma of a fan!

Perfect Remains (DI Luc Callanach #1) by Helen Fields

This police procedural, the first in a series featuring Detective Inspector Luc Callanach, is truly the definition of a gripping suspense crime thriller.

"How is life as a French-Scottish former Interpol agent in the wilds of Scotland?"

Life for DI Callanach is busy. He's not even unpacked his new office when he's called to attend the discovery of a completely burnt body found in the Cairngorm Mountains. Forensics indicate that the remains are those of Elaine Buxton, a lawyer from Edinburgh who had been reported missing a few weeks prior. As Callanach and his team take on the investigation, they shortly realize that they are dealing with a master criminal. And soon, another prominent woman goes missing. Racing against the clock, Callanach meticulously chases every clue despite the confounding evidence and the lack of critical information. Can he pull himself together and let go of his personal past to focus on the case? NO SPOILERS.

Excellent writing, fabulous well-drawn characters, incredible description and enough grisly detail to satisfy even the most dedicated of hardcore genre readers. This book was a "stumbled upon" for me and I can't believe I missed hearing about this series! I cannot wait to read the second, third, and fourth and look forward to seeing Luc Callanach's personal and professional growth as it continues. I could barely put this down, and had to force myself to go at a slower pace just so I could absorb everything. This is one story that will leave you chilled and never ever again will you be immune to the smell of mothballs...Sorta kidding. Anyway -- I highly recommend it to fans of this genre.

Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins Publishers for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'm off to start #2 -- PERFECT PREY.

First in a series.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

"We are all drowning slowly in the tide of our opinions, oblivious that we are taking on water every time we open our mouths."

A Mississippi morning. Gunfire erupts in a health center that performs abortions. The women inside, along with a male doctor, are held hostage by a gunman who is seeking retribution because his daughter had been to the clinic and was counseled, he believes, to obtain an abortion. But the situation is more complicated than that. The hostage negotiator, Hugh McElroy, has a real crisis on his hands as he arrives at the center -- he's just found out that his daughter, Wren, and his sister, Bex, are inside. NO SPOILERS.

I must admit that I had some reservations about reading this book but, immediately after I downloaded it today, I started reading and just finished it a little while ago. I was totally glued to the pages of this story. Not only was it extremely even handed regarding its highly inflammatory subject matter of abortion, it was written in an unusual time structure going from present to past, in reverse order to the way I usually prefer my books to flow. So it ends with the beginning and follows with an epilogue that answers all the questions. At no time did I feel that I was being persuaded to take a side, nor were there subtle hints as to any author bias. It was obvious from the author's end note that she had done a tremendous amount of research, even to the point of spending time in a clinic and observing the termination procedures. The characters -- both those that were pro-choice and those who were anti-abortion (or pro-life) were all in the scenario and represented the various beliefs, wishes and desires with their reasons for doing and feeling as they did.

Jodi Picoult is not afraid of writing about controversial subjects and I believe that her purpose must surely be to open up dialogue about issues that tend to polarize people. In today's society, we seem to be bombarded by so many differences of opinion that result in responses that range from arguments to violence. What was once personal and private has become center stage. Activists on both sides of the abortion issue have various methods of rallying people to action or agreement. Lawmakers weigh in, deciding what is legal and what is not. Unfortunately, it's hard to remain objective in the face of it all as most of us no doubt feel pressures from different factions. At the end of the day, each person will have to come to their own perspective knowing, however, that it all boils down to the question of relevancy. And the fact that the way you feel one day may change depending on circumstances.

I am quite glad I was given an opportunity to read this and I'll be thinking of it for a long time. It would make an excellent choice for a book club, but I'm not sure everyone feels comfortable in this climate to share honest opinions without fear of judgement.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to reading and hearing what others think of it.

This book is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Perfect Girls (DI Rachel Prince #3) by Alison James

"Pretty. Spoilt. Popular. Self-absorbed. Entitled." DEAD

DI Rachel Prince, an international liaison investigator for the UK National Crime Agency, is off to the USA in what will prove to be one of the most challenging cases of her career. Alone and without support from her partner, DS Mark Brickall, she is sent to find details about a murdered UK woman whose body was found rotting in a dumpster at the back of a Macy's store in LA. Phoebe Stiles, 25-years-old, had been dead for quite some time -- all the while, however, she had appeared to still be in contact with her parents via phone and had also filmed a commercial even though forensics found that Phoebe was already dead then. If that's true -- who went to the filming in her stead? Rachel Prince will crisscross the United States while doggedly pursuing the killer. This particular sociopath is quite busy as other bodies begin to appear. What emerges is a very chilling and complicated story of deceit and revenge. NO SPOILERS.

I really enjoyed this third in the series featuring Rachel Prince. She's fairly stereotypical as a character in this genre as she's a bit aloof and easily obsessed by her cases. She has difficulty in personal relationships but her determination to close her cases forces her to try to play nice with others. The series is very well-written and demonstrates great attention to detail as the complex case keeps the reader entertained. Equal parts police procedural, crime drama, and suspense thriller, PERFECT GIRLS kept me glued to the pages and I would have finished it in one sitting had it not been a holiday weekend! I can't wait for #4 and highly recommend the series to any fans of this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

#3 in the Detective Rachel Prince series.

Keep You Safe by Rona Halsall

Note -- original title GUILTY LITTLE SECRETS

Natalie is put in prison for embezzlement, though she claims that she is innocent. She's also found to be a drug addict, hooked on OxyContin. Through various means, she comes to realize that she's been framed and the only thing in her mind is getting out and back to her infant son, Harry. Finally, she gets out of prison and heads to the Isle of Man because she has found that is where her ex husband, Tom, has taken her son. No spoilers, but she meets a guy on the ferry across to the island. In addition, there is a Polish bad guy after her because of something that happened to his sister while they were both at the same prison.

If you really loved this book -- stop here and don't read any further.

OK. I don't really like to write reviews about books I didn't enjoy. This one didn't do it for me and I almost did the unthinkable (for me, anyway) and nearly marked as DNF. I really don't care for books full of angst and with a constant stream of consciousness where the main character goes on and on ad nauseum about the same old thing. Constantly about Harry. Her lame brained ideas to go get him from his father and "rescue" him. Her actions and the many coincidences that defied my ability to suspend disbelief. I just couldn't get into the story and it was so predictable that I really could have read the first and last chapter and called it done. The narrative is told in a "then" and "NOW" fashion and although I'm not that fond of the style, it worked OK though it took forever for the gist of the whole story to be teased out. I didn't even like the main character, Natalie. The ending was contrived, and let's just leave it now.

I understand this is a debut, and though I like psychological thrillers, this whole plot line has been done to death. I would consider trying a second novel by this author in hopes to see a more original story. I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book to read and review. My apologies to all for my opinions and I'm sure that others will find something different to mine to write about! If you're really picky and you like suspenseful thrillers with twists that leave you guessing and tension that makes you race through the pages, you may want to look for another book.

This is a standalone, not part of any series.

Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone

"I'll find out firsthand what Steven Hepsworth holds dear. Then I'll figure out how to take it all away from him."

Jane leaves her life and job in Kuala Lumpur and travels to Minnesota to put her plans into motion. She's determined to find and destroy the man whom she holds responsible for her best friend's death. Meg was the only person that Jane has ever really deeply cared about. You see, Jane is a sociopath. And she's very very good at acting. She's spent years perfecting the art of imitating people who truly have emotions and she's now going to play her biggest role yet. NO SPOILERS

What a deliciously nuanced revenge thriller! The narrative sucks you in quickly and it's a very hard book to put down as you are eager to see how Jane makes out in her mission. She's sure a different type of protagonist as we're not used to rooting for sociopaths in this genre as they're usually the bad guys, but I definitely wanted her to succeed and thought the way she handled the family was masterful. Jane is not the typical heroine, and it's likely that you might not even like her very much if you knew her as a relationship would be a lot of work due to her lack of empathy and authentic feeling. But I did like her and I hope she can enjoy her future life in the "fake it till you make it" mode!

I've not read other books by this author, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for any future titles. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Standalone, not part of a series.

The Wife Before Me by Laura Elliot

PSA -- Ladies, if you meet a man at your mother's funeral and you find out that he has a wife who died under suspicious circumstances and her body was never recovered -- don't hook up with him!

Unfortunately, Elena Langdon did not heed that warning and got together with Nicholas Madison anyway. His wife, Amelia, looms as the third person in their relationship from the very beginning. But Nicholas is so charming and just insinuates himself into Elena's life, finally getting her to agree to a commitment ceremony because he is not yet able to marry her as Madison has not been legally declared dead. Despite his ardent declarations, Elena is vulnerable to his manipulations and is convinced to move into the house Nicholas shared with his former wife. That's when the real problems surface. NO SPOILERS.

I'm sure that all women have thought at one time or another when we hear about a case of spousal abuse -- why doesn't she leave him? There are as many reasons (or excuses) as there are the women who endure the beatings, the treachery, the isolation, the controlling and the lies. Elena is distraught and can't escape Nicholas even after he confesses that he's lost all her inheritance. Now, she's really dependent on him. Much of the book describes how the worm turned and how Nicholas torments Elena, especially as she is convinced that he still loves the dead Amelia -- why else would he lock the door to the couple's previous bedroom and what other secrets is he keeping.

I've read other reviews and I must say that I enjoyed this domestic drama and psychological thriller. I didn't read the "romance" aspect as being too much as I realize this is the way that the abuser draws in his victim. I could see the downward spiral of Elena's life and sympathized with her even as I kept telling myself that I would never be in her position. Ah hubris, right? Anyway, there is suspense and the author creates a nice bit of tension. You know there is something of course -- that there will be a twist, and it's pretty easy to anticipate though you're not sure when it is coming.

The book is told in alternating viewpoints with some flips in time and this strange bit in italics that was a bit disconcerting until you identify the owner of the voice. That aspect of the narrative fell a little flat and I definitely had to suspend some disbelief about some of the things that happened as the story builds to a dramatic climax and a satisfying conclusion. You may or may not identify or relate to the characters, but it won't be hard to despise Nicholas as he's definitely a psychopath!

It was easy to read this book in one sitting as I found it hard to put down so stayed up way late finishing. I hope you enjoy it as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Standalone, not part of any series.

The Wife's Secret by Kerry Wilkinson

Domestic suspense thriller. What if the woman you've married turns out to be someone you didn't know at all?

The Willis family seems to be followed by a curse of tragedy. Parents Annie and Paul, "Everyone's mum and dad" are famous for their books and television presence. When they are murdered one night, their 13-year-old daughter, Charley, is found by her sister Martha hiding in the wardrobe upstairs. The killer was never found. Fifteen years later, Charley marries vet Seth Chambers -- and goes missing from the wedding reception. As Seth tries to figure out where Charley has gone, with the police and the press coming and going, he's in a right state of exhaustion and worry.

The narrative goes back and forth in time and point of view as the story unravels layer by layer with surprising twists and bitter truth. The Willis family wasn't who they represented themselves to be, which isn't the most surprising revelation, but it's true that you can't always believe everything you hear, that you read, or that you see. Many secrets are hidden behind the front door of a family home and the Willis family has a lot to hide. Money may not be everything to everyone, but it sure can provide a lot of negative or positive motivation.

Enjoyed this standalone by one of my favorite authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Not part of a series.